BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State University women's basketball head coach Darcie Vincent finalized signing five players to National Letters of Intent today.

"This is our second year signing a large recruiting class. All 5 members of the 2013-2014 will bring something unique and special to our program," said Vincent." "However, the core to every individual is the same. They are exceptional young women with a tremendous amount of commitment and dedication to becoming the best. It is so important to recruit young ladies with the similar core values and we spend a tremendous amount of effort finding these players. We have done just that with Bria, M & M, Mia, Joi, and Amber! We are looking forward to watching these young ladies flourish at App State."

App's five new signees include Bria Carter (Spotsylvania HS/VA), Amber Doniere (EA Lainey HS/NC), Mary Melissa Hoover (Episcopal HS/LA), Joi Jones (Duluth HS/GA), and Mia Marshall (Parkview HS/GA).

Bria Carter
6-0• Guard
Virginia
Spotsylvania High School
Blue Star South AAU

Carter will join the Mountaineers following a strong high school career. She earned back-to-back First Team All-District honors in her Freshman and Sophomore seasons, and making First Team All-Region during her Sophomore campaign. In addition to leading her team in scoring for two consecutive seasons (18 ppg), Carter has also lead in rebounding, steals and blocks

Vincent's Comments: "Bria Possesses an uncanny ability to score. She has great size at the wing position and will give us a huge advantage at that position. Bria also brings a natural IQ to the game. She has a unique ability to make plays on the court. This is alone sets her apart as a player and will keep the program moving forward."

Amber Doniere
6-0 • Guard/Post
North Carolina
EA Laney High School

Amber Doniere will make her way to Boone after an excellent high school career. Doniere played a key role in leading the E.A. Laney Bucs to a Mid-Eastern Conference title and three straight NCHSAA playoff appearances. The Laney High School standout will become a three-time NCHSAA Academic All-State selection, in addition to earning three consecutive Outstanding Rebounding awards.

Vincent's Comments: "Amber is a versatile post player that will be an interesting match up for many teams. Amber is a smooth player with a nice touch around the basket. She is undersized at the post position but possesses the necessary skills to move to the small forward position. She will fill that necessary position for us offensively and defensively as an inside / out player."

Mary Melissa Hoover
5-7 • PG/Combo Guard
Louisiana
Episcopal High School
Dominos AAU

Mary Melissa Hoover will come to the High Country after an impressive high school run, where she earned 2nd Team All-State in her junior year. The Louisiana native has served as team captain for two seasons, along with holding the school record for three pointers, free throws, and points in a single season. As captain, Hoover has led her squad to two consecutive playoff appearances.

Vincent's Comments: "Mary has a true point guard mentality. She has spent her high school career developing that mentality by attending numerous camps including a pt. guard specific camp. M & M has a special quality about her that draws people to her….a great quality to have in a pt. guard. She is a true student of the game and her discipline to push herself to be the best is going to be a key factor in maintaining a top level in the SoCon."

Joi Jones
5-6 • PG/Combo Guard
Georgia
Duluth High School
FBC AAU

Joi Jones will come to App State after building a solid high school resume. Aside from being ranked a two-star Hoop Girls recruit, Jones serves as Duluth High School's team captain. She's earned three letters in her basketball career thus far, along with being awarded the Duluth Lady Cat Award last year. In 2011, Jones was named to Gwinett County's Team of the Month, All-Gwinett County Honorable Mention, and Second Team All-Region. She averaged 10.8 points-per-game, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 steals during her junior campaign. Joi is the cousin of fellow signee Mia Marshall.

Vincent's Comments: "Joi adds speed and tenacity to our point guard and off guard position. She is a tremendous on the ball defender and welcomes challenges to step up and defend the best. A natural transition player that can playmake and open up shooters with her ability to get to the rim. Joi really possesses no weakness to her game as her range extends to 3 pt. land as well."

Mia Marshall
6-2 • Post
Georgia
Parkview High School
FBC Southeast Elite AAU 

Mia Marshall joins the Mountaineers looking to make an impact. Marshall is listed as a two-star Hoop Girls recruit, who averages eight points and eight rebounds. Along with serving as team captain, Mia is a four-year Varsity Letterman in basketball. Her resume also includes two varsity letters in softball and the 2010 Parkview Softball Defensive Player of the Year award. The Parkview standout ranked 63rd in the 2010 Carolina's Girls Basketball Report Top 100 Prospects National List. In addition to earning the 2012 Parkview Most Athletic award, Marshall has been recognized this season as an Adidas All-American National Elite Super 60, a Naismith Flourish Awards Scholarship nominee, and an Atlanta Journal-Constitution Region 8 Basketball Player to Watch. Her previous accolades include the 2011 Nike US Junior Nationals Basketball All-Star Team, EA Sports National Elite Basketball Camp Impact Player (2011), and the 2011 Coast-to-Coast National Evaluation Basketball Camp Player Spotlight. 

Vincent's Comments: "Mia has a true low post presence! Great body size and strength. You can not let her sweet smile deceive you as she has really committed herself to being a dominant force on the block. Additionally, she has soft hands and a solid midrange touch. We look forward to getting her on campus and letting Coach Heather develop her post player skills."